Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.5/10, while Value at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.3/10 for reliability, this sports trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.2/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.5/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $74,480–$97,277, 13 MPG, seating 2, the Mercedes-Benz SL sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 5.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and value scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL ranks #278 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 12% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $74,480 starting price is about 62% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which SL Year Should You Buy?
Across the SL model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
Common Questions — 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
We rate the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL worth buying?
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #278 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 12% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL cost?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL starts at $74,480 and ranges up to $97,277 across trims (MSRP when new). At 13 MPG, expect roughly $4,038/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which SL years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest SL years we've rated are 2017 (7.1/10), 2016 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Mercedes-Benz SL
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Similar Sports to Consider
Other sportss at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year
